Discovering new theme parks is always at the top of our vacation itinerary. On an overcast Monday in July, we took the kids to Paultons Park in Hampshire.

Why Paultons? It's the home of Peppa Pig World!!!!

For those not in the know, Peppa Pig is a British children's show, about a family of pigs, Peppa being the daughter pig. It's absolutely adorable and pretty much required morning television watching when we stay in English hotels. I was too overwhelmed by piggy cuteness, to notice the sexist message for which the show has been criticized. I didn't even realize it until we told people about going to Paultons Park and getting the anti-Peppa reaction. Next trip, I'll pay more attention when watching. Either way, the characters are super cute. 

Paultons Park is one of the best, if not the very best, value attractions that we have experienced. Everything was less expensive than we anticipated. Paultons is a full-sized theme park, definitely on par with Legoland, but for a family of four, our entrance was only ninety-three pounds. Parking was free! Not only that, food and souvenirs were very reasonably priced. The prices shocked me and made the day so much sweeter.

Vending machines with water and fruit snacks was another difference. This isn't to say that the park is void of junk food, but that they balanced it with making healthy options readily available. This one was really great, because it's not even located next to an unhealthy option. 

The front gate had a pretty pond with fish and flowers made out of colorful glass. 

Just inside the entrance was The Floating Globe. Of course, we had to stop and find Sweden, England and The United States. It was hard to catch them, as the globe was revolving at a fast clip.

We wanted to get on some rides! Here are shots as we walked through the front of the park. The building facades were fun, they reminded me of Universal Studios.

I thought Peppa Pig World would be the best part of the park, but I really loved this wacky mad-scientist themed land. It was a new addition and the paint was vibrant. The kids could have rode the Cat-O-Pillar Coaster all day long. 

The obligatory tea-cup ride.

After feeling sick from the obligatory tea-cup ride, I played photographer, as Dan took the kids on a spinning Viking ship ride and the Pirate ship; other theme park staples.

Ice cream= The Breakfast of Champions. I love English style Whippy ice cream. 

The Victorian Carousel was surrounded by amazing topiary. My favorite was the lion and lion tamer. 

There is much more to come! Stay tuned for part two of my Paulton Park trip report, including Peppa Pig World!